After several seasons as the Arizona Coyotes Director of Player Development, Steve Sullivan has been promoted to assistant General Manager. Sullivan will also take over as GM of the Tucson Roadrunners, the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate. There is still no indication whether or not the team will promote an internal candidate to take over his former position. The team will retain Chris O’Hearn, who is currently serving as AGM and will work in tandem with Sullivan.
Sullivan had a lengthy NHL career that saw him play over 1000 games and suit up for six different franchises. His most success came with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he scored a career-high 75 points in 2000-01. He retired in 2013 after short stint with the New Jersey Devils, the team that had drafted him in the ninth round nearly 20 years prior. One of the best “small players” in history, Sullivan stood just 5’9″ but recorded 747 points over a long career.
As more and more former players move into GM roles around the league, he will be joining a group led by 27-year old John Chayka, fifteen years Sullivan’s junior. As the team continues to build its player base with a nod to the analytical side, Sullivan provides a different perspective from his days as an NHL center.